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SLIDER

TRAVEL // The Dragonfruit Goes to Oregon PT 1

Saturday, August 15, 2015

At the start of August, I took off with one of my best friends on our first real road trip. While we've certainly driven around our home state a lot, we've never taken off on our own to see what else is out there. For one week, we drove through Oregon, passing through Portland before shooting on to the coast.

Man, what a reviving trip. The last time I'd been to the ocean, I was 12 years old and had taken such visits for granted. Growing up in California, we had easier access to the coast and would spend a week or two there every summer as a family. Each time I played in the sand and eventually worked my way into splashing in the ocean, I felt so alive and content. Almost ten years later, I finally got to experience that again.

However, I'm getting ahead of myself. First up, getting to Portland! Along I-84, there's a bridge you can cross to pop into Maryhill, Washington, where you'll find this amazing Stonehenge Memorial. I found out about it through Roadtrippers (seriously, go like their Facebook page to find out about a ton of cool locations) and insisted we stop along the way to visit. So glad we did too, it's amazing!

After a short visit, we hopped back in the car and headed to Portland. We made it late at night, and crashed at Saffy's cousin's place. Aaron was a real sweetheart who gave up his bed and room for us while we were there, and we all rested up for a long day of adventuring in the city.

We started off the morning the best way - with coffee! I had to laugh when I found mason jar mugs in the cupboard, because we had obviously entered hipster territory.

PORTLANDIA!

Hehehe

While driving and trying to park in Portland is stressful enough, once you're out and mobile, it becomes much more enjoyable. We did a lot of walking around and stuffing our faces. If you watch my vlog on it (which you can view HERE), you'll see that's pretty much all we did.

Getting lost in Powell's City of Books!

We did go visit the International Rose Garden, which was stunning. I could spend an entire afternoon there just walking through those neverending rows of roses. While exploring, we found a couple sprawled out on a picnic blanket enjoying the romantic setting. Haha, hey, good date idea!

Hehe, can't stop laughing at this one. Looks like I have a creeper! xD

Overall, our long day in Portland was a good one, albeit one day is definitely not a long enough time to explore the city. I could spend a week there, eating and drinking the whole way through. Haha, next time!

However, our main focus of this trip was the coast, which I'll be sharing in a few more posts. Because holy cow, if you thought there were a lot of photos in this one, brace yourself...

I'm trying to condense what I have, but it's very difficult.

Hope you enjoyed a peek at our day in Portland!

Have you ever visited? What did you think? What were your favorite food spots?

Ah, Linda! I've so enjoyed viewing all your glorious snapchats of the beach and your adventure. Haha, I swear we'd get along so well in real life--all that amazing, fresh food, beautiful locations, and hiking... you're basically my soul sister. Plus you're just a babe so that's a cherry on top of how incredible you are. I absolutely adore those pictures of you at the gardens, and your flower shots are beautiful. And the "creeper" one is just hilarious, haha!

I can't wait to see your coast pictures. I'm glad you had so much fun on your trip! You deserve a break from all the barista-ing and soon to be schooling! Also, I loved your response on my post. I just adore how much you write and how thoughtful it is. You really have a beautiful soul. ALL RIGHT, LOVE YOU LADY! Have a good start to your week!

I was just there too!! For the most part, my friends and I stayed at the Pearl District which was definitely interesting! :D Most of the spots you went to, we weren't able to see so definitely need to go back to Portland!!! aaahhh!! I love love love that city! :D

Linda, these shots are so gorgeous! And the music in your video is so chill--perfect for a summer roadtrip. I love your looks here--they both embody cool and confident with that lovely wide-brimmed hat, floral prints, round sunnies, and your killer septum piercing.

All of your travel posts really make me want to spend some time on the West Coast--the landscape, weather, and vibe seem just unbeatable.

Also, on a random note, did you get a new lens or camera? The aperture seems much lower in these photos. I'm lovin the statement and drama of them.

Thank you for the loveliest note on my latest post! You're just the sweetest soul, and I'm so inspired by you.

People who live near the ocean or sea always take it for granted. I'd give my dumb cats to live near the sea or ocean,sigh.......I love your trip posts, you manage to infect me with your enthusiasm! The gluten free pizza made me release a snort of laughter snd the hipster jar mugs are so adorableeee! Also, who is that handsome dude with the baseball cap!Can't wait for the second post, keep em coming lady!

I've heard about Stonehenge and Portland and obviously I wish I will visit them one day. your trip seems to be super awesome, Linda, and I'm very glad you share so many photos ;) I'm always amazed by the landscapes you guys have there in the States! such a wonderful post!